"Do I Have to Spend Months of Salary?"... '8.88 Million Won Festival Ticket' Sparks Ticket Price Hike Controversy [Jumeoni Talk]

Criticism Grows Over Ultra-High-Priced Festival Tickets
Rising Burden of Extra Costs Like Transportation and Accommodation
Average Ticket Price for Popular Music Performances Exceeds 120,000 Won
Young Adults Say, "We Can't Afford Cultural Activities"

Editor's NoteWe are living in a time when a single serving of samgyeopsal costs 20,000 won and a bowl of jajangmyeon is 7,500 won. The 2024 Consumer Price Index stands at 114.18 (2020=100), and in 2025, the impact of high inflation continues to increase the burden on consumers' shopping baskets. Through the ongoing series "Jumeoni Talk" (Week+Money+Talk), we aim to share stories about consumption that directly affect our wallets, alongside the ever-changing prices.

As the price of a one-day festival ticket exceeds 100,000 won, this year an ultra-premium ticket priced at 8.88 million won has sparked controversy. Although it includes premium benefits, there is growing criticism that the price is excessively high. Other festivals are also raising ticket prices one after another, creating an atmosphere in which university students and young adults just starting their careers, who are not financially well-off, feel burdened by the cost of cultural activities.

The Controversial '8.88 Million Won Ticket' Ends Up Withdrawn

'Medley Medley' Ticket Prices. Official Instagram

Recently, the ticket prices announced by the music festival 'Medley Medley' became the center of controversy. The festival, scheduled for October 18-19 at Paradise City in Incheon, offered one-day tickets for 118,000 won, two-day passes for 148,000 won, and VIP two-day passes for 248,000 won. However, the price of the limited-edition '1% Ticket' was set at 8.88 million won, drawing strong public criticism. This ticket included benefits such as exclusive entrance and exit gates, viewing from the main stage, access to the VIP lounge, and unlimited alcoholic beverages. Still, many pointed out that even with these perks, the 8.88 million won price tag was hard to justify.

As the controversy grew, the organizer Culture Think stated, "We deeply empathize with the concerns and criticisms many have expressed regarding the '1% Ticket,' and we sincerely apologize for the confusion and inconvenience caused by insufficient information and lack of careful preparation." They added, "This ticket was planned as a premium ticket to provide a new audience experience, introducing benefits and services offered at overseas festivals to Korea. However, since we did not provide enough information about the benefits and value corresponding to the price, misunderstandings occurred, and we sincerely apologize." Ultimately, the '1% Ticket' was withdrawn from sale, and all previous purchasers received full refunds.

Festival Ticket Prices Continue to Rise This Year

The ultra-premium ticket controversy is also related to the overall trend of rising festival prices. Over the past few years, ticket prices for major festivals have continued to climb. For example, the one-day ticket for the upcoming 'Grand Mint Festival' in October increased by about 9.1% from 121,000 won last year to 132,000 won this year. The 'Beautiful Mint Life' festival held in June also raised its one-day ticket price by about 10%, from 110,000 won to 121,000 won. Similarly, the 'Seoul Jazz Festival' held in May saw its three-day pass increase by about 9.5%, from 420,000 won to 460,000 won.

This trend of price increases is also clearly evident across the performing arts sector. According to the "2024 Performing Arts Market Ticket Sales Status Analysis Report" published by the Arts Management Support Center, the average ticket price for performing arts (including theater, musicals, classical music, Korean traditional music, dance, and popular music) was 65,366 won, representing a 44.7% increase compared to 45,176 won in 2020. In particular, the average ticket price for popular music performances exceeded 100,000 won for the first time in 2022, and last year rose to 120,104 won, making it the most expensive among all genres.

A 160,000 Won Room for 800,000 Won... Accommodation Costs Skyrocket During Festival Season

Representative summer music festival 'Waterbomb'. Official Instagram

When various additional expenses are considered, the burden felt by festival-goers becomes even greater. Especially when festivals are held in the outskirts of the metropolitan area or in regional locations, expenses for transportation, food, and accommodation can significantly increase overall spending. Furthermore, during popular festivals such as 'Waterbomb', it is common for nearby hotels and lodgings to sharply raise their prices compared to normal periods.

According to the "Peak Season Accommodation Price Trend Survey" released by the Korea Consumer Agency, between July 27 and August 31 last year, 25.5% (12 out of 47) of accommodations near the Waterbomb venue raised their weekend rates by an average of 52.4%. One hotel, for example, increased its room rate from 160,000 won the weekend before Waterbomb to 800,000 won on the day of the event, marking a fivefold increase.

As a result, some young people are choosing to give up on attending festivals altogether. With overall prices rising, the reality of having to spend several hundred thousand won just to attend a single performance feels overwhelming. Kim Seohyun (29), an office worker, said, "Even if my favorite singer is performing, when I see the ticket price, I hesitate to make the purchase. With food prices already so high, I don't have enough left over for cultural activities." She added, "When I think about having to cover transportation and accommodation costs just to enjoy one day, I end up deciding not to go at all."